7 of the World’s Best Island Destinations to Visit for a Beach Holiday
Living a fast-paced life necessitates regular periods of rest and relaxation. During these times, one has to forget all the worries and cares to enable the mind and body to recharge and heal.
Whenever thinking about the ultimate rest and relaxation getaway, what comes to mind for most people is a holiday in some exotic beach destination that’s away from the hustle and bustle of the city. A gorgeous beach in an island destination where you can dive, swim and snorkel to your heart’s content definitely sounds appealing. But even for those who are not into water sports and are just hoping to catch up on their reading and indulge in the local cuisine, an island break still makes for the perfect holiday.
If you’re thinking of having a beach holiday at a spectacular island destination but have no idea where to go, don’t worry, you will be spoilt for choice. Thankfully, the world has an endless list of exotic island destinations perfect for a beach holiday and here are 7 of them.
Maui
Considered one of the top island destinations in the world, Maui is a must-visit when travelling to Hawaii. As far as island destinations go, it will not disappoint. You can watch the sunrise from the peak of 10,000-foot volcano, take a dip in a swimming hole beneath cascading waterfalls, enjoy the sun, surf, and sand in its gorgeous beaches and get up close with abundant marine life in addition to museum visits and culinary adventures. Or you can also embark on a challenging yet exhilarating drive to Hana through Hana Highway, stopping at vantage points, to admire the breathtaking scenery it offers. Yes, Maui is definitely the island to visit if you want a well-rounded holiday.
Bora Bora
Highly popular among travellers seeking a relaxing beach holiday, Bora Bora is a tiny island in French Polynesia that’s much sought after for its natural attractions – powdery, white sand beaches, inviting aquamarine waters, and coral reefs dense with healthy marine life. And, for those who maintain an active lifestyle, Bora Bora also has a two-peaked dormant volcano that offers sweeping vistas and challenging hiking trails.
Split
Croatia, a postcard-pretty country in Eastern Europe, is fast-becoming a top tourist destination in the region. And among its more than a thousand islands, the one that’s drawing huge tourist numbers is Split, thanks to its varied offerings. Boasting awe-inspiring ancient architecture, lovely beaches, stunning panoramic views, enjoyable island tours, and a bustling cultural and entertaining scene, Split is making a name for itself as an amazing beach holiday destination. Plus, it is one of the venues of Ultra Europe, multi-day electronic music festival featuring popular artists, mind-blowing stage design, and cutting edge production, making the coastal town all the more appealing to hip, young travellers and partygoers.
Santorini
Even if you’ve never been to Santorini, chances are, you have heard about its surreal beauty. This island destination, a gem in the Aegean Sea, is part of the world-renowned Cyclades Islands and offers many activities and attractions for travellers looking to have a relaxing beach holiday.
Set in the southernmost part of the archipelago, Santorini entices with its dramatic landscapes, picturesque cliff-perched towns, extraordinary beaches, and prehistoric archaeological attractions. The island’s delectable Mediterranean cuisine, eclectic nightlife, and a thriving arts and culture scene are huge draws as well.
Bali
One of the most popular island destinations on the planet, Bali is what most travellers’ dream beach holidays are made of. Dense tropical jungles, exotic flora and fauna, beautiful diving sites, amazingly stunning views, ornate religious architecture, meandering hiking trails, and white-knuckle extreme adventures are just some of the things you’ll experience in the island. Bali is also peppered with world-class resorts where you can luxuriate and taste the island’s gastronomic offerings as well as enjoy incredibly relaxing traditional Balinese massages.
Phuket
Offering myriad attractions, Phuket is a must when visiting Thailand. Famous for its white sand beaches, lush greenery, religious monuments, 19th century colonial architecture, pulsating nightlife, sumptuous cuisine, and a string of fun and exciting activities like diving, snorkeling, and windsurfing, this mountainous island is an ideal destination for your long overdue beach holiday.
Maldives
If snorkeling over breathtaking coral reefs, encounters with exotic marine life, lounging on secluded white sand beaches, and swimming in inviting aquamarine waters sound like your ideal beach holiday, then it’s time to pack your bags and hie off to Maldives for your island break. This idyllic island destination, with its massive collection of atolls and islets, is a slice of paradise for those who need to take a momentary step away from their hectic lives.
Boracay
A gem of an island destination located in Western Philippines, Boracay is a true bucket list travel destination. This magnificent island, home to beaches with sand as fine as sugar, ranks high among the best island destinations in the world. While the beaches are its biggest attractions, Boracay Island is also known for its vibrant local vibe, and dining and entertainment options, as well as enjoyable tours and fun water-based activities.
El Nido
Often thought of as the Philippines’ last frontier, El Nido is a beach destination riddled with unspoiled beaches, exquisite karst formations, craggy hills, enchanting lagoons, mysterious caves, and roaring waterfalls. This coastal town also offers many dive sites, each with waters teeming with corals and endangered sea creatures.
Getting ready for your beach holiday? Visit Travezl.com for tours and activities to add to your itinerary!
By: Brendelyn Balaga
